SA Groundnut Forum (SAGF)
held on 4 November 2009 at 10:00 at the offices of the Oilseeds Industry, Rivonia

1. Opening

   The meeting was opened with prayer offered by Mr JAM Potgieter.

2. Welcome

   The Chairperson, Mr JCG du Preez, welcomed all present.

3. Attendance

   Present
   Mr JCG du Preez	Chairperson
   Ms R Beukes	DAFF
   Mr P Botha	GrainSA
   Mr AM Cronjé	Tiger Brands
   Mr O de Witt	Praxia Trading
   Dr J Dreyer	ARC-GCI
   Ms M Edwards	Nola
   Mr G Fourie	SAGNM
   Mr N Hawkins	GrainSA
   Mr C Herbst	SAGIS
   Mr W Higgs	Triotrade Gauteng
   Mr GTduT Keun	CEO: OPDT/OAC
   Ms MC Makobe	DAFF
   Mr V Mapfumari	DAFF
   Ms ME Mojapole	DAFF
   Mr GC Nortjé	GWK
   Mr RE Nerwich	The Snack Factory
   Mr JAM Potgieter	GrainSA
   Mr GJH Scholtemeijer	Chairperson: OAC
   Dr CJ Swanevelder	Consultant
   Ms A van Deventer	Praxia Trading
   Mr PJ van Heerden	PPECB
   Dr WJ van der Walt	SANCU
   Mr PPVE van Wyk	VGM
   Mr P van Wyk	VGM
   Mr PA Visser	Pfarm
   Ms E Harmse	Secretariat
   Apologies
   Mr S Coetzee	PPECB
   Mr GL de Kock Sr	Roba Peanuts
   Mr GL de Kock Jr	Roba Peanuts
   Mr A Fung	Sunland International
   Mr DJ Kok	Grain Silo Industry
   Mr WA Loubser	SANSOR
   Mr CJ Lourens	RE Groundnuts
   Mr B Makhafola	DAFF
   Mr M Mosome	DAFF

4. Personalia

   None reported.

5. Finalisation of agenda

   The agenda was accepted as it stood, with the addition of:

   • Item 9.5 – Feedback: Aflatoxin control;
   • Item 9.6 – Grading regulations - producers;
   • Item 9.7 – Analysis of fumigants;
   • Item 9.8 – Aflatoxin results 2007 to date;
   • Item 9.9 – Chemical residues in the EU;
   • Item 9.10 – EU Directive on aflatoxin testing;
   • Item 9.11 – Peanut butter - Gauteng Feeding Scheme; and
   • Item 9.12 – Retirement of A Bosman, PPECB.

6. Approval of minutes

   1. Approval of the minutes of the meeting of the SA Groundnut Forum held on 2 April 2009

      Resolved:

      1. That the minutes of the meeting of the SA Groundnut Forum, which was held on 2 April 2009, be accepted as a true and fair reflection of that meeting.

7. Matters arising

   1. Good agricultural and processing practices

      (Resolutions 7.1.1 to 7.1.3 of the SA Groundnut Forum minutes of 2 April 2009)

      Mr Keun reported that the document on good agricultural and processing practices and the attachment detailing the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles had been published on the website of the oilseeds industry. He said the documents will be made available for publication on GrainSA's website, following which the media would be alerted to this initiative by means of a press release. He confirmed that the matter would be finalised before the next meeting of the Forum.

      Resolved:

      1. That an electronic copy of the document on good agricultural and processing practices and the attachment detailing the HACCP principles be made available to Grain SA for the purpose of making said documents available on GrainSA's website.

         Mr Keun

      2. That a press release be sent to the media after the document on good agricultural and processing practices and the attachment detailing the HACCP principles had been made available on both GrainSA's website and the website of the oilseeds industry.

         Chairperson

   2. Guideline: Aflatoxin

      (Resolution 7.2.1 of the SA Groundnut Forum minutes of 2 April 2009)

      The Chairperson said the resolution that the document titled "On-farm aflatoxin testing – Technical Note April 2009" would be made available on the website of the oilseeds industry had not yet been implemented. Mr Keun confirmed that the matter would be handled in the near future, as additional assistance had been provided to the employee managing the website.

      Dr van der Walt mentioned that the Departments of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing and of Health had published a booklet titled "Guidelines on the application of good agricultural practices and HACCP in mycotoxin prevention". He said he was liaising with the Department of Health to obtain extra copies of the document,that he would make available to members of the Forum. Mr Hawkins asked whether it would be possible to obtain an electronic copy of the booklet, so as to disseminate the information on the websites of the oilseeds industry and GrainSA. Dr van der Walt agreed to investigate the matter.

      Mr Scholtemeijer said if the document was accessible on the website of the Department of Health, a link to the document could be set up from the websites of both the oilseeds industry and that of GrainSA.

      Noted:

      1. That the guidelines on on-farm aflatoxin testing titled "On-farm aflatoxin testing - Technical Note April 2009" would be published and made available on the website of the oilseeds industry under the auspices of the South African Groundnut Forum.

         Mr Keun

      2. That the possibility of hosting an electronic copy of the booklet titled "Guidelines on the application of good agricultural practices and HACCP in mycotoxin prevention" on the websites of the oil-seeds industry and GrainSA be investigated.

         Dr van der Walt

   3. Sustainability of the groundnut industry

      (Resolution 7.3.1 of the SA Groundnut Forum minutes of 2 April 2009)

      The Chairperson tabled the document "Volhoubaarheid van die Suid-Afrikaanse grondbonebedryf" and the English translation of said document "Sustainability of the South African Groundnut industry" for discussion. He said the document had been compiled over the past few months, following on a number of meetings that had been called to discuss the issue.

      The Chairperson said the document detailed certain actions that had to be taken on various matters of importance related to the sustainability of the local groundnut industry. He noted that a resolution had been passed at the previous meeting, which held that it would be recommended to the Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC) that funding be provided for an economic evaluation of the groundnut industry and the various constraints faced by the industry. He said the primary aim of such a study would be to investigate the relative competitiveness of the South African groundnut industry with the view to identify opportunities by means of which the efficacy of the industry would be enhanced.

      Mr Scholtemeijer recommended that Prof van Schalkwyk of the University of the Free State be approached in the first instance, as he had investigated the relative competitiveness of the South African primary and secondary oilseed industry a number of years ago. He said should more information be required than that contained in Prof van Schalkwyk's report, further assistance could be requested from the OAC. He mentioned that the National Agricultural Marketing Council also had the capacity to undertake the study, and could be approached for a project proposal.

      Mr Hawkins mentioned that the Agroprocessing Section of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) may have capacity available to assist with the groundnut industry's competitiveness within the export section. He said the NAMC could suggest possible ways in which the industry could make use of the opportunities within trade and industry, specifically with regard to exports. Mr Cronjé suggested that the project be linked to an economic model, so that the data could be updated regularly.

      The members were in agreement that the Oilseeds Advisory Committee would be requested to approach Prof van Schalkwyk of the University of the Free State, with the view to obtaining a copy of his study on the relative competitiveness of the South African primary and secondary oilseed industry.

      The Chairperson said the second action that had been decided upon concerned research projects, literature studies and surveys. He said the recommendation had been to continue with the research projects that were currently being pursued. He mentioned that additional matters of importance were to retain the present capacity of experts within the ARC and elsewhere, breeding new high-yielding cultivars, testing methodologies to limit toxin production, and undertaking case studies on subjects that were not being researched currently, such as cultivation practices.

      Mr Scholtemeijer reported that the OAC had recommended to the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust (OPDT) that all of the groundnut-related projects that had been applied for, be approved. He said although the OPDT were only meeting on 30 November to discuss the OAC's recommendations, he was fairly confident that the OAC's recommendations would be approved. He mentioned that he took cognisance of the additional matters of importance.

      Mr Visser conveyed the Forum's gratitude to the OAC for attending to the groundnut industry's research requirements, and for recommending financing of such. He said his view was that this determined the future of the industry. Dr Van der Walt mentioned that breeding new cultivars was an extremely costly exercise, and that it would be advisable to keep up to date with the latest technologies and developments elsewhere. Mr Visser said the local groundnut industry should source suitable cultivars internationally.

      With regard to surveys, the Chairperson said information needed to be sourced on successful mechanised or semi-mechanised harvesting and handling processes. Mr Paul van Wyk considered this to be an essential initiative. Mr Nortjé reported that GWK had initiated such an investigation the previous year, and was also considering utilising groundnut shells as an energy source in the drying process. He said mechanising the harvesting and handling process was an expensive process. He reported that the results of the investigation had proved to be successful thus far. Mr Visser reported that his experience of mechanised harvesting and handling had also been favourable thus far.

      Mr Scholtemeijer suggested that the OAC be approached with the view to funding a comprehensive literature study on the mechanised handling and harvesting of groundnuts. He said the OAC could consider supporting initiatives such as those of GWK and Mr Visser on the proviso that the information gleaned from their experiences with mechanisation be shared with the rest of the industry. He confirmed that the OAC would also consider providing funding for information days and demonstration trials, to the benefit of producers.

      Mr Visser mentioned that only one year's worth of data was available on the mechanisation trials he had undertaken thus far, and that the same applied to GWK's initiative. He said the weather during that period had been fairly dry, and he was unsure what the results would be during a rainy season. Mr Scholtemeijer suggested that Dr Dreyer compile a project proposal on the proposed literature survey on the mechanised handling and harvesting of groundnuts for the OAC's consideration. The members were in agreement on this.

      The Chairperson referred to the proposed third action, which held that a work group should be established to source and evaluate pertinent directional information on trends in local and international markets, to compile a report, and provide feedback to the groundnut industry. Mr Scholtemeijer suggested that it be recommended to the OAC that a knowledgeable person be contracted to do the job, as the members of the Forum did not have sufficient time available for additional assignments.

      The Chairperson noted that the identification and prioritisation of bottlenecks in the groundnut industry had to be linked to existing expertise, as a fourth action. Mr Hawkins said the bottlenecks had been identified and prioritised at the previous meeting of the Forum, as detailed on page six of the relevant minutes. He was of the opinion that the bottlenecks were addressed by the various actions as outlined in the sustainability document. Mr Scholtemeijer said although aflatoxin was considered to be a key constraint facing the industry, he would recommend that the groundnut industry kept itself informed of the latest international research on aflatoxin on groundnuts, by means of internet searches.

      The Chairperson said the fifth action related to international liaison and study tours. Dr Swanevelder said he considered it essential that contact should be established with other countries. Mr Scholtemeijer said communication via the internet could never replace personal exposure, which should be followed up by regular contact and follow-up visits. He mentioned that the OAC would consider funding a well structured and carefully planned international study tour.

      The Chairperson said a register of individuals who could provide the groundnut industry with expert advice needed to be compiled. He mentioned that a preliminary register had already been drawn up. He reported that the OAC/OPDT had already approved funding in the amount of R80 000 for the financial year 2009/2010 with the view to effecting technology transfer by experts in the groundnut industry. The Chairperson ruled that a work group be appointed, with the view to planning a series of technology transfer sessions, by means of information days, road shows, and the like, so that the funding that had been approved could be expended in a well structured manner, and said activities and the expenditure incurred could be reported on. It was agreed that Dr Dreyer, and Messrs Botha, Du Preez and Visser would serve as members of the work group.

      The Chairperson noted that niche markets should be identified and utilised, as a seventh action, with the recommendation that the breeding of high oleic acid cultivars for local and international markets be continued, and the possibility of new niche markets be explored. He explained that a niche market was specialised, and relatively small.

      Ms van Deventer said the economic study and the report on the directional information on trends in local and international markets could provide clarity on the issue of niche markets. Mr Hawkins was in agreement on this. Mr Nortjé said the cultivar SAJuweel was considered to be a product aimed at a niche market, for which a premium should be paid.

      With regard to technology transfer, the Chairperson remarked that sustained knowledge transfer optimised existing practices and enabled a larger percentage of producers to fully utilise the potential of existing cultivars, by means of information days, journal articles and radio talks. He said the OAC/OPDT had approved funding in the amount of R50 000 for the promotion of groundnut production and -consumption.

      Mr Visser considered radio talks to be a very effective means of communication. He was of the opinion that the groundnut industry should be more widely promoted to the producers, and added that the groundnut industry did not receive any exposure at the NAMPO Harvest Days. Dr Dreyer mentioned that much feedback was received from radio talks. Mr Potgieter cautioned that articles on the economic aspects of groundnut production should be carefully worded, as information on groundnut prices often elicited much criticism.

      Mr Nerwich advised that the target market should be considered carefully, as not only producers but also the masses – those who were buying the product – should be kept informed on the groundnut industry. The Chairperson agreed that consumer education was essential. Mr Scholtemeijer remarked that a generic groundnut marketing campaign would be extremely costly. The members agreed that Dr Dreyer, Messrs Botha, Du Preez and Visser would be tasked to conduct further talks on the matter of the promotion of groundnut production by means of radio talks and so forth.

      The Chairperson said as a ninth action, it was recommended that contact be established with the relevant provincial authorities with the view to promoting groundnut production in the various provinces and regions. He mentioned that GrainSA provided training on groundnut production to developing farmers. Dr Dreyer reported that the ARC-GCI had for the past two years provided training courses for research personnel in Limpopo. He considered it vitally important to make some form of expertise available to upcoming farmers, although those farmers were producing on a small scale only. He thought this training could be expanded to other provinces, such as KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Free State. He added that this would be a medium to long term project. He suggested informing the various provincial departments of agriculture that the Forum wished to promote groundnut production in those provinces by means of training courses to research personnel, and inviting them to respond if they were interested in taking up the offer.

      Resolved:

      1. That the OAC be requested to approach Prof van Schalkwyk of the University of the Free State, with the view to obtaining a copy of his study on the relative competitiveness of the South African primary and secondary oilseed industry.

         Mr Keun

      2. That a project proposal on the proposed literature survey on the mechanised handling and harvesting of groundnuts be compiled for the OAC's consideration.

         Dr Dreyer

      3. That it be recommended to the OAC that a knowledgeable person be contracted to source and evaluate pertinent directional information on trends in local and international markets, to compile a report, and provide feedback to the groundnut industry.

         Mr Keun

      4. That it be noted that the bottlenecks had been identified and prioritised at a previous forum meeting and the bottlenecks were addressed by various actions as outlined in the sustainability document.

         Chairperson

      5. That a project proposal be compiled on an international study tour with the view to establish contact in the international groundnut research community.

         Chairperson
         Dr Dreyer
         Mr Keun

      6. That the preliminary list of expertise be supplemented on a regular basis and chemical companies be requested to furnish the details of at least one contact person who could be consulted as an expert in his or her subject field.

         Chairperson
         Mr Keun

      7. That the breeding of high oleic acid cultivars for local and international markets be continued and the possibility of new niche markets be explored.

         Dr Dreyer

      8. That the work group consisting of Dr Dreyer, Messrs Botha, Du Preez and Visser be tasked to plan a series of information technology transfer sessions, by means of information days, road shows, and the like.

         Dr Dreyer
         Messrs Botha, Du Preez and Visser

      9. That the work group consisting of Dr Dreyer, Messrs Botha, Du Preez and Visser be tasked to conduct further talks on the matter of the promotion of groundnut production by means of radio talks and so forth.

         Dr Dreyer
         Messrs Botha, Du Preez and Visser

      10. That the relevant provincial departments of agriculture be informed that the Forum wished to promote groundnut production in those provinces by means of training courses to research personnel, and invited to respond if they were interested in taking up the offer.

          Mr Keun

   4. Seed scheme

      (Resolution 7.5.1 of the SA Groundnut Forum minutes of 2 April 2009)

      The Chairperson ruled that the discussion regarding the options for future seed production be held in abeyance until clarity had been established on the possible commercialisation of a number of the ARC's functions.

      Resolved:

      1. That the options for future seed production be held in abeyance until clarity had been established on the possible commercialisation of a number of the ARC's functions.

         Mr Keun
         Dr Dreyer

   5. International Standards

      (Resolution 7.6.1 of the SA Groundnut Forum minutes of 2 April 2009)

      The Chairperson raised the matter of international standards, which had been put forward for discussion as a result of a request which had emanated from buyers in Europe, in order to comply with international labelling requirements on food composition. He reported that he was still trying to source information on those nutritional values of groundnuts which were considered to be the basic and most important for labelling purposes, for inclusion in a small database on the nutritional values of selected South African groundnut cultivars.

      The Chairperson ruled that the matter be held in abeyance.

      Resolved:

      1. That nutritionists be approached in order to ascertain what nutritional values of groundnuts were considered to be the basic and most important for labelling purposes, and that Nola and Tiger Brands would be approached to determine what information was already available for inclusion in a small database on the nutritional values of selected South African groundnut cultivars.

         Chairperson

8. Industry information and marketing aspects

   1. SAGIS: General feedback and market information

      The members took cognisance of the market information prepared for the Groundnut Forum by SAGIS and dated 4 November, as well as the SAGIS weekly bulletin dated 13 October and the monthly bulletin dated 21 October 2009.

      The Chairperson called on Mr Herbst to comment on the information provided by SAGIS. Mr Herbst said total local groundnut production had decreased over the past ten years, and that SAGIS urged the producers to take cognisance of this trend. He conveyed SAGIS' appreciation to the various collaborators, the forums and work groups associated with the oilseeds industry, as well as the OAC and the OPDT for their continued assistance and support.

      Mr Herbst enquired whether the role players in the groundnut industry were satisfied with SAGIS' levels of service delivery, and asked whether there were any suggestions on ways SAGIS' services to the industry could be improved.

      The members of the Groundnut Forum indicated their appreciation for the services rendered by SAGIS.

   2. Crop and Area estimates

      The Chairperson tabled the document titled "Intentions to plant summer crops" dated 27 October 2009, as well as a document summarising total local groundnut production over time, producer deliveries of groundnuts during the 2008-2009 production season, and the areas under irrigation in the various provinces.

      Dr Dreyer congratulated the Crop Estimates Committee on the accuracy of their estimates. He said the various collaborators' inputs were highly valued.

9. Additional items

   1. Final report: Development of an integrated pest management program for nematodes on groundnut

      Cognisance was taken of the final report on the development of an integrated pest management program for nematodes on groundnut.

   2. Snackex Report

      Cognisance was taken of the report on the Chairperson's attendance of the Snackex XIII International Savoury Snack and Nut Conference from 7 to 9 June 2009 in Berlin, Germany.

   3. Research projects: 2010/2011

      Cognisance was taken of the groundnut research projects for which funding was approved for the 2010/2011 financial year.

   4. Exemption of groundnuts primary producers on Food Safety Auditing

      The Chairperson tabled the draft letter from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) with regard to the exemption of groundnut primary producers on food safety auditing, included in the documentation as Annexure H. He mentioned that only three members of the Forum had responded with comment on the draft letter, and that Mr Makhafola had requested additional comment from the industry.

      Mr Hawkins said GrainSA had not commented on the draft letter, as the producers were very satisfied with the conditions under which the exemptions would be granted, and wished to convey their gratitude to the DAFF.

      Mr Higgs thanked the DAFF for favourably considering the Groundnut Forum's request to have primary producers exempted from food safety auditing. Ms Makobe conveyed the DAFF's gratitude for the support provided by Messrs Lourens and Nortjé during the visits to the various producers.

      Mr Van Heerden said PPECB would also have to determine what chemicals the producers had sprayed, when carrying out the audit at the processors.

      Mr van Heerden explained that the aflatoxin project at Durban Harbour had commenced, and that there would not be additional costs involved. He said aflatoxin samples would, however, be taken in the event of problems occurring, such as lots which had been exposed to rain, which costs would have to be carried by the exporter concerned. The Chairperson said Messrs De Witt, Higgs, Nerwich and Nortjé would have to discuss the information after the meeting, and provide Mr van Heerden with information on the traders' and exporters' position on the matter.

      Resolved:

      1. That comment will be provided to DAFF on the letter on the exemption of groundnuts primary producers on food safety auditing.

         Mr Keun

   5. Grading regulations – producers

      Cognisance was taken that the problems that were being experienced in practice with the grading regulations pertaining to groundnuts, as raised by Mr Visser, would be referred to GrainSA for further discussion.

      Noted:

      1. That the problems that were being experienced in practice with the grading regulations pertaining to groundnuts, as raised by Mr Visser, would be referred to GrainSA for further discussion.

         Mr Keun
         Mr Hawkins

   6. Analysis of fumigants

      Cognisance was taken of the letter dated 27 October 2009 from the Grain Silo Industry on the analysis of fumigants.

   7. Aflatoxin results 2007 to date

      Mr de Witt said the Forum had resolved that certain data on aflatoxin contamination in the various regions would be made available to the industry at every Forum meeting. Mr Keun said the information had been made available by PPECB, but that the report contained information of a highly confidential nature. Mr de Witt said due to the nature of the data the Forum had passed a resolution on, the information could not be regarded as confidential.

      Mr Keun said the confidential information would have to be edited from the PPECB report. The Chairperson said feedback would be provided to the Forum at the following meeting.

      Noted:

      1. That the data on aflatoxin contamination in the various regions would be made available to the industry at every Forum meeting after the confidential information in the PPECB report had been edited.

         Mr Keun

   8. Chemical residues in the European Union (EU)

      Mr de Witt said new regulations had been promulgated in the EU with regard to the use of certain chemical agents with effect from 5 October. He mentioned that he had also been informed that a comprehensive list of all chemical agents currently in use was published on the Crop-Life website, and enquired whether that list could not be used by the groundnut industry until such time the list for groundnuts had been finalised. The members were in agreement that Crop Life's information would be used until such time the list applicable to the groundnut industry had been finalised.

      Resolved:

      1. That Crop Life's information on chemical agents would be used until such time the list applicable to the groundnut industry had been finalised.

         Mr Keun

   9. EU directive on aflatoxin testing

      Cognisance was taken that the EU had issued a directive in terms of which the frequency of aflatoxin testing on imported groundnuts would be increased, as from 25 January 2010, but that no mention had been made of South African imports in the directive.

   10. Peanut butter – Gauteng feeding scheme

       In response to a request from Mr Higgs, the Chairperson agreed to contact the relevant authorities to determine what had motivated the Gauteng Education Department to delete peanut butter from the list of approved foods in their feeding scheme.

       Noted:

       1. That the relevant authorities would be contacted to determine what had motivated the Gauteng Education Department to delete peanut butter from the list of approved foods in their feeding scheme.

          Chairperson

   11. Retirement A Bosman PPECB

       The members of the Forum were in agreement that Mr André Bosman of the PPECB would be honoured for his contribution to the groundnut industry by means of an inscribed plaque, that would be handed to him at the first meeting of the Forum in 2010.

       Resolved:

       1. That Mr André Bosman of the PPECB would be honoured for his contribution to the groundnut industry by means of the presentation of an inscribed plaque, that would be handed to him at the first meeting of the Forum in 2010.

          Chairperson

10. Election of office bearers

    1. Election of Vice Chairperson

       The Chairperson explained that the Vice Chairperson of the SA Groundnut Forum was elected for a period of two years. He called for nominations for the position. Mr JAM Potgieter was unanimously re-elected as Vice Chairperson of the Groundnut Forum.

       Resolved:

       1. That Mr JAM Potgieter be elected to serve as Vice Chairperson of the Groundnut Forum for a period of two years.

          Mr Keun

    2. Election of Management Committee

       The Chairperson called for nominations from each sector of the industry for members of the Forum to serve on the Management Committee of the Groundnut Forum. The following members were nominated, and duly elected to serve as members of the Management Committee:

       • Chairperson of the Groundnut Forum (ex officio),
       • Processors – Chairperson of the PTA (ex officio),
       • Exporters – Ms A van Deventer,
       • Peanut Butter Manufacturers – Ms M Edwards,
       • Consumers – Dr W van der Walt,
       • Producers – Mr JAM Potgieter,
       • PPECB – Mr P van Heerden.

       Resolved:

       1. That the following persons be elected as members of the Management Committee of the Groundnut Forum:
          • Chairperson of the Groundnut Forum (ex officio),
          • Processors – Chairperson of the PTA (ex officio),
          • Exporters – Ms A van Deventer,
          • Peanut Butter Manufacturers – Ms M Edwards,
          • Consumers – Dr W van der Walt,
          • Producers – Mr JAM Potgieter,
          • PPECB – Mr P van Heerden.

          Mr Keun

    3. Research Priority Committee

       The Chairperson called for nominations from each sector of the industry for members to serve on the Research Priority Committee. The following members were nominated, and duly elected to serve as members of the Research Priority Committee of the Groundnut Forum:

       • Chairperson (as convenor),
       • Producers - Mr P Botha,
       • Processors - Chairperson of the PTA (ex officio),
       • Traders - Mr O de Witt,
       • Manufacturers - Ms M Edwards,
       • Consumers - Dr W van der Walt,
       • ARC representative to be co-opted as advisor.

       Resolved:

       1. That the following persons be nominated as members of the Research Priority Committee of the Groundnut Forum:
          • Chairperson (as convenor),
          • Producers - Mr P Botha,
          • Processors - Chairperson of the PTA (ex officio),
          • Traders - Mr O de Witt,
          • Manufacturers - Ms M Edwards,
          • Consumers - Dr W van der Walt,
          • ARC representative to be co-opted as advisor.

          Mr Keun

11. Meeting dates

    The proposed meeting dates for 2010 were unanimously accepted, viz.

    • 17 February (Potchefstroom)
    • 21 April (Rivonia)
    • 22 July (Potchefstroom)
    • 3 November (Rivonia)

12. Adjournment

    The Chairperson thanked the members of the Forum for their attendance at and contributions to the meeting, and wished all a safe journey home. A positive economic outlook for 2010 and the best for the new year were wished to all. There being no further matters for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 13:40.